$11 million building receives U.S. Green Building Council's 'platinum' rating

The University of Colorado Athletic Department held the grand opening of the new practice facilities for volleyball and basketball on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011.
(Cliff Grassmick / Camera file photo)

The University of Colorado's $11 million volleyball and basketball practice building has received the highest possible designation from the U.S. Green Building Council for its eco-friendly features.

The new building, which is next to Coors Events Center, is the first athletic building on CU's campus to receive the LEED certification. It's one of only two platinum-rated athletic buildings in the Pac-12.

CU's new practice facility is estimated to be 40 percent more energy efficient and 30 percent more water efficient than recently constructed buildings of similar size and function.

Tom McGann, an associate athletic director at CU, said the green features minimize the money spent on building operations, and officials hope that it sets an example for athletes, students, employees and fans.

The 43,000-square-foot practice facility opened last August and houses two NCAA-regulation-size basketball courts that are shared by the men's and women's basketball programs and the women's volleyball team.

The building's green features include rooftop solar panels that are capable of providing 10 to 12 percent of the building's electricity and an evaporative cooling system that uses less energy than traditional mechanical systems.

Paul Leef, campus architect, said the building put forward new challenges, such as not being able to add numerous windows for natural lighting -- much like the Center for Community building, a student hub that also recently received the platinum designation. Still, Leef noted, the athletic building received the top rating.

University officials said the building expands CU's portfolio of environmentally friendly facilities. The Williams Village North tower, which opened last fall, also received the platinum rating.

"We have recently built sustainable and very energy-efficient academic, research, residential and dining spaces," said Moe Tabrizi, campus sustainability director, in a news release. "The athletic facility adds to the sustainability learning opportunities and experiences for our students throughout campus, no matter where they are."

The practice building is outfitted with low-flow water fixtures, high-performance insulation and windows, efficient lighting and lighting and heating that help with energy savings.

Boulder is pretty good at producing rock bands, and by "rock," we mean the in-your-face, guitar-heavy, leather-clad variety — you know, the good kind. For a prime example, look no farther than BANDITS. Full Story